MigApp, trusted mobile information for migrants around the world

admin on 17 January 2022

Image from MigApp.

An initiative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which, through a mobile app, offers a platform of relevant and up-to-date information so that migrants around the world can make informed decisions. It is available in 8 languages: English, Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Russian.

Migrants from all five continents need a trusted source of information that also provides them with assistance and support to migrate safely. MigApp is an application that helps migrants to make informed decisions by providing information organized in various thematic and location areas.

In addition, the application also provides the possibility to make international bank transfers at no cost. It also has an option to find out the location of friends and family.

It also provides information on travel risks, access to IOM programmes and services for migrants, and data on migration profiles and trends around the world. This makes it useful not only for migrants and their families, but also for NGOs and governments.

Characteristics of innovation

Addictions, Bank of innovations, Fully inclusive cities, Immigration, Information and planning, Lab, Link with the community, New service, New technological tool, Prediction and prevention, Self-management and participation

Location

International

Partners/Funders

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), US State Department and IOM Development Funds.

Genesis

The first version of MigApp was launched on 18 December 2017 as part of IOM’s transition to digital mobility. Such mobile applications have created a new channel of communication with migrants and new tools for IOM staff to do their work in remote areas.

Level of implementation

MigApp has been available free of charge to all migrants who wish to use it for more than four years.

Further information

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DigiContact, remote and immediate social care service available 24h

admin on 13 April 2021

DigiContact worker attending a client. Retrieved from the DigiContact website

Remote and immediate 24h care service for people with long-term care needs: disabled people, elderly people with dependency, people with mental health problems or addictions, etc. The service allows extra respite and support to these people’s non-professional carers, avoiding their saturation, and also offers them support if needed. Users can enrol in the service either individually or through social entities. The service adapts to the needs of each user (for example, calling to remind him of a medication, wake him up in the morning, etc.) according to what is established at the time of contracting the service; and, depending on the needs of the person, DigiContact complements online care with presence visits.

DigiContact works through an app that is very easy to use: only by pressing a button it does the call (with image) to be able to receive remote support and attention. The camera is located in the middle of the screen, making it easier to have a sense of proximity and making it possible for professionals to read the verbal and nonverbal signals of the user.

Professionals working in DigiContact (psychologists, nurses, social workers…) have a specialized training to meet all kinds of needs users can have online.

The DigiContact service has proved especially useful during the lockdown times of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is currently a service only available in Dutch.